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Ten Things of Thankful: Counting (or Not) Compassion Edition

Compassion  has been on my mind lately.  I participated in 1000 Voices for Compassion.  I read some of the other posts about compassion.  My facebook feed has been exploding with links about compassion, and my twitter account has been notifying me almost non-stop about compassion.  And that is just my virtual life. 


I have seen examples of compassion in real life, too.  I'm not numbering my list this week, but believe me, the heart behind these items adds up to way more than 10. 

Normally, I'm all for a neatly-numbered list, but I cannot do that this week.  My calling (an unpaid position I was asked to fill) in my church congregation is Relief Society president.  The Relief Society is the women's organization.  A big part of that responsibility is to seek out and help those with welfare needs, and to oversee compassionate service.  With around 130 women in the congregation, this could be an overwhelming responsibility. 

Fortunately, I do not act alone. 

Obviously, I will not go into detail about the needs of the families.  

Let me just say, I am thankful for the huge number of people who notice needs and act to serve, without waiting to be assigned or asked.  A situation arose suddenly this week, and my phone started ringing.  Various people were calling me not not just to alert me, but to let me know what had been done already, and what help might be needed in the future.  

I am also thankful for those who willingly fulfill assignments. Some compassionate service needs are bigger than others, requiring multiple helpers over multiple days, weeks, or longer.  These needs demand an organized effort of help.  I have been thanked by those who were asked to help.  They appreciated the opportunity to be involved. Do you have any idea what a big thing that is for me?  I am aware that people are busy and that they have their own issues, challenges, and struggles.  To be willing not only to help, but to welcome the chance to do something, assures me that compassion is alive and well.  

The examples of these good individuals remind me that I need to be better.  

When I'm prompted to make a phone call, I should make a phone call.

When I'm prompted to  send a text, I should send a text.

When I'm prompted to just drop by, I should just drop by.

When I'm prompted to write a note, I should write a note.

When I'm prompted to do something (anything), I should just do it.  
Good examples can be found all around us, we just might not see them.  I've found, though, that just like learning a new word makes me acutely aware of how often it is used, seeking compassion (or any other trait) results in me seeing it everywhere.  

Compassion isn't just at church, though it's there.

Compassion isn't just in families, though it's there.

Compassion isn't just in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, etc. Compassion is all around us, and I'm thankful.  

Where have you noticed compassion lately?


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Comments

  1. I can see why you had to be vague this week. :)

    One thing I have always admired in the LDS church is their commitment to take care of the members of their church. I know your job in the Relief Society is a big one. My brother is in a position in their ward in which he is frequently called on to help in big and little ways. You actively watch for people who need help. While we jump in to help whenever we see a need, we don't have a position specifically named to do such a thing.

    I like your analogy about learning a new word and seeing it everywhere. It is very true. We look for things for which to be thankful, we find them. We look for people being compassionate, they are there.

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    1. While my position might give me the responsibility to seek out the needy, I am thankful that I can also see how many people help WITHOUT being assigned. In my book, that is the greater thing, and I appreciate being able to see so many good examples. (Like a certain someone who sent JuJuBes this week, for example.)

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  2. All great things to be thankful for. I've been sort of overwhelmed by the whole thing this week, in a good way. I'll never get caught up reading...but at least I know where to look if I need something!

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    1. Oh, I'm nowhere even close to being done reading the compassion posts!

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  3. Hey did you get a new button or have I been living in a cave and missed it? I know what you mean about the compassion ... I havent gotten to nearly enough posts ...maybe tonight.
    I get constant reminders of the need to do better!

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    Replies
    1. I've had it, but never use it. I usually just grab a photo from the post, but--surprise!--didn't have a photo in the post this week. I tried using the TToT button, but got an error message when I tried to link.

      I'm also hopelessly behind on reading the compassion posts. Trying to read over 1000 posts--and comment? Whew! Fortunately, the authors are compassionate.

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  4. SO much compassion on the internet this week. It's a beautiful thing. I love that you are practicing compassion in your own community as well as writing about it.

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    1. I'm trying to be as compassionate as those I see around me. There is always room for improvement!

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  5. At work, from the people I work with--nurses, doctors, therapists . . .
    Nice post. Makes me want to be more compassionate.
    http://www.36hourworkweek.com/2015/02/Runaway-teens-how-to-cope.html

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    1. I've noticed many people in the health care professions who exhibit great compassion.

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  6. What Christine said. While some churches give lip service to helping their congregation, Mormons not only talk the talk, they walk the walk. Your job as president of the Relief Society probably takes a lot of your time, and you never complain about it. You are a truly good person.

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    1. I've found that giving time in service is much like paying a tithing--the remaining resource seems to stretch, and I have enough. I'm really enjoying my calling. Yes, it takes a lot of time, but I really love the women I serve.

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  7. Super sweet. You never know what those little gestures can do. It can most certainly brighten someone's day. I know I need to be more aware of these things to & do a better job of acting on them.

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  8. sounds like you had a wonderful inspiring week -- isn't it wonderful when things are so clear - compassion is everywhere :)

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  9. I can always talk the talk, but not always walk the walk. You are walking the walk, Kristi.

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  10. I'm still making my way through the #1000Speak posts and am just in awe of how many people are committed to helping others and exercising compassion. Your job at church is an inspiration as well. That compassion for helping those in need is an official assignment is wonderful and you are the perfect person for it!

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  11. I feel those prompts, too, and I don't always follow through. It may be that I'm driving or my attention is distracted or there's just too much going on in the moment. And then it slips away, and I may or may not remember it. It's just another form of compassion, and I should stop what I am doing and follow those prompts when I can.

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  12. It is very heartening to hear there are so many willing to help others without being asked. Because there are so many people who need help. All sorts of help.
    I can't imagine co-ordinating assignments for 130 women! Sounds like a small army. I'm confident Kristi, just from reading your posts,that you are a woman who can handle it:)
    It's nice to be reminded that compassion does still exist and going on around us every day.

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  13. Yes, we are thankful for the people who show compassion, just because it is needed. Glad for the many people who realize its necessity.

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  14. Compassion is at Amara's school and it is wonderful to see it in the eyes of young children.

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  15. When a word keeps recurring like that for me I figure God is sending me a message - and I hop I respond the way He wants me to! blessings, marlene

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